Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, Abdelaziz Konsowa, on Saturday discussed with Japan’s Ambassador in Cairo, Fumio Iwai, expanding co-operation between the two countries in higher education, scientific research, and technology.
The meeting reviewed ongoing areas of co-operation and explored opportunities to deepen partnerships, particularly in technological education, scientific research, and strengthening links between universities and industry.
Both sides also discussed ways to enhance academic and research collaboration in support of innovation, skills development and knowledge exchange between the two countries.
Konsowa stressed Egypt’s interest in benefiting from Japan’s experience in technological education and research, particularly the KOSEN model, and exploring ways for some KOSEN graduates to continue their university studies at Egyptian technological universities.
He also highlighted efforts to strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional hub for higher education and research in Africa, including facilitating procedures for international students.
He noted recent developments in the student visa system approved by the Cabinet.
The minister also outlined a new initiative allowing faculty members and young researchers to work in industry for six months after preparing research proposals and securing funding from the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF). The initiative aims to help researchers identify industrial challenges and develop practical solutions.
The meeting also discussed Konsowa’s planned visit to Japan in October, including participation in a scientific forum and visits to Japanese educational and research institutions.
The Japanese ambassador, for his part, highlighted the importance of expanding university cooperation, including with Hiroshima and Kyushu universities, and strengthening cooperation under the Egypt–Japan KOSEN (EJ-KOSEN) system.
The two sides also discussed support for Palestinian students at the Egyptian-Japanese University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), noting that 17 Palestinian students had reached Egypt to continue their studies.
